summary
Introduced
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/28/2013
05/28/2013
Introduced Session
2013 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Creating the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law"; prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device for certain purposes; defining the term "wireless communications device"; specifying information that is admissible as evidence of a violation; providing for enforcement as a secondary action; providing for points to be assessed against a driver license for the unlawful use of a wireless communications device within a school safety zone or resulting in a crash, etc.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law," prohibits drivers from manually typing or entering text, emails, or instant messages into a wireless communications device, defined as any handheld device capable of text communication or internet access, while operating a motor vehicle, though exceptions exist for emergency responders, reporting emergencies, receiving navigation or safety-related information, or operating autonomous vehicles. Evidence of a violation in the event of a crash resulting in death or injury may include billing records or statements from authorities, and enforcement by law enforcement will only occur as a secondary action, meaning an officer must first stop a driver for another traffic violation. Furthermore, the bill amends existing law to assign points to a driver's license for unlawful use of a wireless communications device that results in a crash or is committed within a school safety zone, with repeat offenses within five years being treated as a moving violation.
Committee Categories
Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (9)
Nancy Detert (R)*,
Joseph Abruzzo (D),
Lizbeth Benacquisto (R),
Jack Latvala (R),
Gwen Margolis (D),
Bill Montford (D),
Garrett Richter (R),
Maria Sachs (D),
Darren Soto (D),
Other Sponsors (3)
Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities (Senate), Judiciary (Senate), Transportation (Senate)
Last Action
Chapter No. 2013-58 (on 05/29/2013)
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